Carmen says she is a Lawrencian through and through and is not unfamiliar with the struggles the Guests of Lazarus House face on a daily basis.

She was raised in this community, attending Middle and High School in Lawrence, and after earning a Bachelor’s degree from Mount Washington College, a Master’s in Education from Cambridge College and getting her LMHC licensure, she settled in her beloved Lawrence with her husband and children.

She shares of her childhood, “I was raised in the Hancock Housing Projects in Lawrence. My family, friends, and neighbors all struggled with the issues we see in a typical urban city – some of the same hardships that the families we serve at Lazarus House are working hard to overcome. Raised by a single mom that lost her job due to lack of reliable childcare, I was brought up to be a woman of my word. My mom taught me that my word was worth more than money because people could then trust me and rely on me.  I think my lived experience has provided a solid foundation to serve families and individuals struggling with food insecurity, poverty, and homelessness with compassion.”

“Together, our team will face every challenge. With our dedicated board, directors and staff, we will continue to meet our Guests’ changing needs now and in the future.”

“Let me paraphrase Philippians 4:13 and say ‘We can do all things through Christ who strengthens us’.”